mong the savage taunts that echoed around English school playgrounds of the 1980s, most of which would get me cancelled if I were to, back in our July issue. “Who can afford that?” he asked. I apologised (everything is the editor’s fault, after all), and pointed out a feature of the same length, in the same issue, on a 12ft clinker dinghy. The sentiment turned in my mind for hours after. I think we’re all agreed, in this church at least, that boats are works of ‘art’ – whatever your definition is – and you don’t go to see a Rembrandt or Banksy show because you are considering buying the works. Even if you could, would you really want to? Owners who spend fortunes to raise apparitions like from the dust bring joy when they show them on the biggest canvas of all – the sea. Don’t worry if they’re out of your reach; they’re out of everyone’s reach. Just enjoy them for what they are. Tell me if I’m wrong! And enjoy the issue.
